Sayonara (1957)
-
100% of critics liked it
(9 reviews) -
78% of users liked it
(3,349 ratings)
Sayonara takes its own sweet time to unfold; in so doing, it permits us to make intimate acquaintance with its characters, so as to better understand their multitextured motivations. The film is set in Japan during the Korean War. While on leave, pugnacious American soldier Red Buttons falls in love… More Sayonara takes its own sweet time to unfold; in so doing, it permits us to make intimate acquaintance with its characters, so as to better understand their multitextured motivations. The film is set in Japan during the Korean War. While on leave, pugnacious American soldier Red Buttons falls in love with Japanese maiden Miyoshi Umeki. Given the army's official policy against interracial marriage, Buttons is courting a court-martial. His best friend, major Marlon Brando, tries to talk Buttons out of "ruining" his life. Brando himself is about to marry Patricia Owens, the daughter of general Kent Smith. Fighting back his own prejudices, Brando agrees to be Buttons' best man at the latter's wedding to Umeki. Later, Brando himself falls for Miiko Taka, a beautiful Kabuki dancer. This sparks an all-out onslaught of racial bigotry from the Army brass, and an official edict sending American soldiers back to the states without their Japanese wives. Buttons cannot bear being parted with Umeki; as a result, the two commit suicide. The tragedy compels the army to soften its attitudes towards miscegenation. Brando is reunited with Taka, who in a parallel situation has had to ward off the inbred prejudices of her people. Nominated for ten Academy Awards, Sayonara won five, including "Best Supporting Actor" (Red Buttons, whose moribund career was revitalized herein) and "Best Supporting Actress" (Miyoshi Umeki). And yes, that is Ricardo Montalban in Japanese makeup as a Kabuki actor. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Directed By
- Joshua Logan
- Written By
- Paul Osborn, James A. Michener
- Genres
- Drama, Romance, Classics
- In Theaters
- Dec 5, 1957 Wide
- On DVD
- Sep 18, 2001
- Studio
- MGM Home Entertainment
Critic Reviews
-
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Logan's message picture about interracial marriage is made more enjoyable by the then novelty of locations shooting in Japan as well as likable performances from Marlon Brando, Red Buttons, and rest of the cast.
-
Steve Crum, Dispatch-Tribune Newspapers
Engaging drama of servicemen in Japan. Top acting by all.
-
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
The main plot points have become dated over time, nevertheless the action still feels sincere.
-
Michael W. Phillips, Jr., Goatdog's Movies
The supporting cast is remarkable, especially Red Buttons.
-
Dan Jardine, Apollo Guide
Brando's terrific performance elevates an otherwise unexceptional, though well-intentioned, film
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Featured Audience Ratings
Currently unavailable on Flixster
Also available on
Other Retailers
Subscription Services
Cast
-
Marlon Brando
as Maj. Lloyd Gruver
-
Red Buttons
as Joe Kelly
-
Miyoshi Umeki
as Katsumi
-
Ricardo Montalban
as Nakamura
-
Miiko Taka
as Hana-ogi
-
Patricia Owens
as Eileen Webster
-
Martha Scott
as Mrs. Webster
-
James Garner
as Capt. Mike Bailey
-
Kent Smith
as Gen. Webster
-
Douglass Watson
as Col. Craford
-
Reiko Kuba
as Fumiko-san
-
Soo Yong
as Terukosan
- The Shochuku Kagekidan Girls Revue
-
Harlan Warde
as Consul
